Research We are excited by the prospect of expanding the role of contemporary physical chemistry to address the mechanisms of complex synthetic pathways at the molecular level. To accomplish this, we blend together multi-dimensional laser spectroscopies, reaction dynamics, and cryogenic ion chemistry to create a central role for P-chem in the wider chemical community. Most recently, this endeavor involves integration of bioanalytical methodology to access transient species in solution, an advance that dramatically expands the scope of chemistry we can address. Areas that most interest us at present are:

Structural characterization of host-guest linkages at the heart of supramolecular chemistry

Capture and photochemical conversion of key intermediates in catalytic transformation of CO2 and H2O into solar fuels

Clarification of the micro-hydration regime where every water molecule plays a specific role in charge translocation and covalent bond formation

Development of new analytical tools for small molecule drug discovery

Many of these projects involve close collaborations with inorganic and organic synthesis as well as chemical biology groups. Our custom instruments specifically designed to meet these challenges are evolving rapidly as dictated by the requirements of the chemical processes we seek to understand.

We embarked on this adventure over twenty years ago with the goal of understanding chemical processes that occur in condensed phases by extracting key species directly from solution, freezing them into well defined geometries and characterizing the potential energy surfaces that govern reactions through precision spectroscopic measurements. In many cases, this course required us to design and construct new types of sophisticated instrumentation that draw inspiration equally from analytical chemistry and atomic physics. Most recently, we have commissioned a powerful new class of spectrometers that effectively brings an FTIR-like capability to mass spectrometry. With it, we can structurally analyze the wide range of species accessible through atmospheric ionization techniques like electrospray ionization. In essence, we combine multi-dimensional laser spectroscopy with the extreme sensitivity of mass spectrometry to yield a qualitative new and powerful way to study chemical processes. Because our capabilities are new, students in this program often get the first look at chemical phenomena, and thus access the most exciting aspects of science where qualitative understanding is achieved through application of precision measurements, basic theory, simulation, and synthesis. In our approach, these components are combined to challenge emerging hypotheses through experimental measurements on molecular scaffolds specifically designed to manipulate key features thought to control macroscopic chemical behavior. This program is well suited for those seeking an integrated and flexible approach to chemistry, and are comfortable with attacking new problems rather refining our understanding of old ones.